Edited by Lucile Bruce, Communications Officer, Connecticut Mental Health Center
Edna Aklin, LCSW came to Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC) in 1984 and is retiring this spring. Over the years, she has fulfilled many roles at the Center. She started as a social work associate at the CMHC Day Hospital (originally the Hill-West Haven Division, now closed). Today she is the Director of Social Work; she also directs the Transitional Living and Money Management programs. "Miss Aklin," as many people call her, is the most senior African American staff member at CMHC and a well-known member of the New Haven community. Here, she reflects on her long career helping people at CMHC.
Tell us about the community you came from.
I'm from South Carolina, from the county of Georgetown. I grew up on a farm. In my community, everybody knew everybody, and people took care of each other. That community sense has stayed with me. I grew up in the segregated south. Even white people in the community would come to the rescue in terms of helping out. I remember when my dad had a stroke—everybody heard about it, and people came and made sure our farm was taken care of. On the other hand, when a white man was coming down the street, I watched my father step off the sidewalk so he could go by. What a dichotomy. I began to learn about the dichotomy that exists. But I still think I was fairly sheltered growing up. My move from high school to New Haven was eye opening. In some ways, I think I believed the streets were paved with gold.
What do you do as Director of Social Work?
I'm responsible for many administrative tasks. I help to implement policies; I do a lot of problem solving. But in terms of being a leader, I've had the opportunity to support the growth and change in terms of how we approach treatment within the Center. Social work is our largest department; most of our social workers are clinicians in the outpatient department. Outpatients have changed over the years. The agency has changed. We've changed how we think about treatment in terms of recovery, trauma-informed care, and integrating all of that into patient care. Peggy Bailey, our clinical director, is clearly responsible for some very dynamic programs and she has been great in terms of leadership. I provide additional supervision to the social workers and help them with challenges they may be having. I am extremely aware of their caseloads, how they're doing, performing. I try to support their growth. In fact just this morning, a staff member I'd supported in her efforts to go on to social work school—she wrote me the most beautiful note. Sometimes you don't know how you have impacted people.
How is social work's perspective different from nursing, psychology, psychiatry?
Everybody's using the word "recovery" now. My sense of social work is that recovery is the premise of what we always did, in terms of meeting the client where they are. Where they are in the community, where they are with their illnesses, where they are in terms of having some insight about their problems. I initially trained as an LPN; I think social work is very different from the medical model, where the primary issue is healing the client.
How has CMHC changed during your time here?
When I first came here in 1984, the majority of leaders were members of the Yale Department of Psychiatry. There was a Yale-State split. Over the years, I've seen more State staff members (from the Connecticut Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services) assume leadership roles. Now a tremendous number of social workers are, or have been, directors of teams. I do not take credit for that, but it's evidence of the strength of members of the social work department and their willingness to grow and assume responsibility. It makes me proud to be a part of the profession.
Have there been changes at CMHC in how care is provided?
I believe that the philosophy has always been around providing excellent care. But over the years, the workday has changed considerably. In 1984, to be able to sit down and spend 45 minutes to an hour with a client talking about their problems—that's what people did. We don't have that luxury anymore. Caseloads are higher and the needs are greater. Appointments are generally shorter now. When I first came in, the resources were different, the ability to move was different. It felt different. With the economy and budgets now, we almost have to fight to get positions filled. But even with those challenges, I still believe this is the best place to get treatment. I say to everyone, I would not hesitate to send my family here. Clinicians will take the time to help my family member get better. A lot of people want to keep secrets around mental illness, but I would not hesitate to send my loved ones here.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Years ago, when I was first exposed to psychiatry, I was completely fascinated by it. I was fascinated by the straw that could 'break the camel's back,' so to speak—but also by the words and interactions with others that could heal. It's really great to walk in and have clients say, "Hey Miss Aklin!" You know you've had an impact on people. I recently saw someone in the supermarket who looked familiar. It sort of nagged at me that she looked familiar. We walked in together and we were leaving together. She whispered to me, "Edna Aklin…" She told me her name. She was one of the first people I met in the Day Hospital more than twenty years ago. She said, "I am doing wonderfully." That's the stuff that is so rewarding.
What are you most looking forward to in retirement?
Relaxing, improving my golf game. I'll continue to do some of the things I'm doing now, but as a volunteer. As a member of the Interfaith Caregivers, I will visit more members of my congregation. I'll get a list of people who need a ride for doctor's appointments, shopping, that sort of thing. I'll be doing social work again, in terms of meeting people where they are. I will continue to be a member of one or two boards. Very often, I don't see African Americans on boards. I want to be able to represent my community.
What will you miss most about coming to work?
The staff. I've been lucky over the years to work with really great people. In each unit where I've worked, there have been individuals who are caring and interested in the work they're doing. I'll miss seeing them each day.
What thoughts would you like to leave with your staff?
My hope is that they will fulfill their dreams and their professional goals. I hope they are not stymied by the gossip but can believe in themselves and believe there is a next step. I hope they don't limit themselves. People have wonderful strengths. Peggy Bailey is a great example. She started here as a psychiatric aid. She went back to school and obtained her social work degree. Look where she is now. That should be the dream for those who want to be administrators and develop programs. Or, be the best clinician you can be—whether it's in trauma, substance abuse, or whatever you choose. Don't lose hope. If you know you have another 15-20 years to work, why not be hopeful that you can make some changes?
I also want to remind people that every interaction makes a difference. I think sometimes we forget that. That smile, that hello, just being kind to a client or each other—it makes a difference. From what I've seen around here in the last 30 years, there's a tremendous amount of humanity. I want for everybody to remain hopeful, embrace the changes, and believe that what we do makes a difference in people's lives.